Penrith rally driver Paul Bird is leading the Malcolm Wilson Rally at the halfway stage.He is currently 19 seconds ahead of Dumfries driver David Bogie. The top seed for the rally, Euan Thorburn from Duns, is a further 20 seconds behind after suffering from mechanical problems.

The rally crews are now in service and will then head our to do another four stages around Grizedale and Greystoke this afternoon.